Chromosomal effects of infections in malnourished and eutrophic children of Gran La Plata

The aim of this study was to assess the induction of structural chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of malnourished and eutrophic children with bacterial infections. Thirty-six infants concurrent to the Hospital Interzonal de Agudos y Crónicos Dr. Alejandro Korn, La Plata, Argentina were included in this analysis; 11 infected and malnourished (IM), 7 infected and eutrophic (IE) and 18 non-infected and eutrophic (NE). Children aged 1-60 months. Anthropometric and clinic evaluation were performed to assess nutritional condition. We scored structural chromosome aberrations (SCA) in 100 metaphases per individual. Statistical analysis was performed by the Epi Dat 3.0 (OPS-OMS, 2003), through «Test de Diferencias entre dos proporciones muestrales» (p<0.05). Total SCE frequency was five times higher in IM children than that of IE ones (15,1% vs. 3,33% p<0,001) and two times greater in IE than in NE children (3,33% vs. 1,88% p<0.05). Results presented here showed an increase frequency of SCA not only in relation with malnutrition but also with the presence of bacterial infections. It is difficult to discern whether structural chromosome aberrations are due to malnutrition per se, bacterial or viral infections, antibiotics or all of these factors acting on malnourished tissues. In conclusion, mutagenic factors cause chromosomal changes more easily in an altered environment.Instituto de Genética VeterinariaFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

A prevalência do baixo peso, baixa estatura, sobrepeso e obesidade: sua evolução nas crianças de Azampay (Catamarca, Argentina)

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la evolución de las prevalencias de desnutrición global, desmedro, sobrepeso y obesidad, en escolares de Azampay, desde 1995 hasta 2004. La muestra estuvo conformada por niños de 6 a 13 años (1995: 32; 2004: 42). Se registraron las variables Edad (E), Peso (P) y Talla (T), estimándose los índices P//E, T//E (referencia OMS-2007, -2DS) e Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) (referencia International Obesity Task Force, valores límite allí establecidos). Los resultados fueron evaluados estadísticamente con el Test χ2 de Pearson (p<0,05; Epi-Info-6.0). Se observó una disminución de la desnutrición global total hacia el presente (de 11,54% a 3,45%). Lo mismo ocurrió con el desmedro (de 6,25% a 0%) y el sobrepeso (de 6,25% a 4,76%). Las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas. No se observó obesidad. El advenimiento de nuevas formas de supervivencia no ha influenciado de manera negativa el crecimiento de los niños, sino todo lo contrario.This study assesses the evolution of underweight, stunting, overweight and obesity prevalence in schoolchildren from Azampay between 1995 and 2004. The sample includes children between 6 and 13 years of age (1995: 32; 2004: 42). The recorded variables were Age (A), Weight (W) and Height (H). Weight-for- age (W//A), Height-for-age (H//A) (WHO reference 2007, -2 SD) and body mass index (BMI) (The International Obesity Task Force, with the values set out therein), were estimated. Epi-Info 6.0 software was used for statistical evaluation (χ2 p ≤ 0.05%). We observed a drop in underweight to the present (from 11.54% to 3.45%). Likewise, stunting and overweight decreased (the former, from 6.25% to 0%, and the latter from 6.25% to 4.76%). Differences were not statistically significant. Obesity prevalence was zero. Overall, new strategies for survival due to the deterioration of traditional patterns of subsistence, have not adversely affected the growth of children.O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a evolução da prevalência do baixo peso, baixa estatura, sobrepeso e obesidade em escolares de Azampay, de 1995 a 2004. A amostra foi composta de crianças de entre 6-13 anos de idade (1995, 32, 2004: 42). As variáveis registradas foram Idade (I), Peso (P) e Estatura (E), e foram estimados os índices P//E, T//E (referência OMS-2007, -2 DP) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) (referência International Obesity Task Force, nos valores limites estabelecidos por eles). Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente com o Test χ2 de Pearson (p <0,05, Epi-Info 6.0). Observou-se uma diminuição da desnutrição global total atualmente (de 11,54% a 3,45%), da baixa estatura (de 6,25% a 0%) e do sobrepeso (de 6,25% a 4,76%). As diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. A obesidade não foi observada. O advento de novas formas de sobrevivência não influenciou negativamente o crescimento das crianças.Fil: Padula, Gisel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "ingeniero Fernando Noel Dulout"; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Salceda, Susana Alicia. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.naturales y Museo. Departamento de Antropologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Chromosomal effects of infections in malnourished and eutrophic children of Gran La Plata

The aim of this study was to assess the induction of structural chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of malnourished and eutrophic children with bacterial infections. Thirty-six infants concurrent to the Hospital Interzonal de Agudos y Crónicos Dr. Alejandro Korn, La Plata, Argentina were included in this analysis; 11 infected and malnourished (IM), 7 infected and eutrophic (IE) and 18 non-infected and eutrophic (NE). Children aged 1-60 months. Anthropometric and clinic evaluation were performed to assess nutritional condition. We scored structural chromosome aberrations (SCA) in 100 metaphases per individual. Statistical analysis was performed by the Epi Dat 3.0 (OPS-OMS, 2003), through «Test de Diferencias entre dos proporciones muestrales» (p<0.05). Total SCE frequency was five times higher in IM children than that of IE ones (15,1% vs. 3,33% p<0,001) and two times greater in IE than in NE children (3,33% vs. 1,88% p<0.05). Results presented here showed an increase frequency of SCA not only in relation with malnutrition but also with the presence of bacterial infections. It is difficult to discern whether structural chromosome aberrations are due to malnutrition per se, bacterial or viral infections, antibiotics or all of these factors acting on malnourished tissues. In conclusion, mutagenic factors cause chromosomal changes more easily in an altered environment.Instituto de Genética VeterinariaFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Suplementación de cultivos de sangre periférica con Sulfato de Zinc: inestabilidad genómica asociada a su deficiencia y exceso

Zinc (Zn) plays a vital role in children growth and is involved in DNA synthesis and maintenance processes. The current nutrient intake recommendations do not consider the levels required for maintaining genomic stability. The objective of this study is to analyze the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of in vitro Zn supplementation to evaluate deficiency and excess, and the concentrations within the normal physiological range established for children (80-280 µg/dl). To achieve Zn deficiency, the HAMF12 medium (HF12) was chelated (HF12Q). Lymphocytes were isolated from healthy donors and cultured for 7 days: 1-control (HF12, 60 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 2-deficient (HF12Q, 0 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 3-80 (HF12Q + 80 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 4-180 (HF12Q + 180 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 5-280 (HF12Q + 280 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 6-380 (HF12Q + 380 µg/dl SO4 Zn). Comet and micronucleus assays were performed, and cell viability was determined. Differences were evaluated with χ2 and ANOVA (p<0.05). The DNA damage index (comet assay) was significantly higher in the deficient culture respect to the others. Only the 380 µg/dl dose showed significantly increased frequency in DNA damage in relation to the other supplemented cultures. Micronuclei frequency was significantly higher in the deficient, 280 and 380 µg/dl cultures in comparison with the control, 80 and 180 µg/dl. The higher frequency of chromosomal damage was observed at 380 µg/dl SO4 Zn. In vitro Zn supplementation reduced genomic instability. Supplementation with Zn at 80 µg/dl and 180 µg/dl proved to be the most beneficial in reducing genomic instability, whereas doses of 280 and 380 µg/dl would cause an increase in DNA damage.El Zinc (Zn) juega un papel vital en el crecimiento de los niños y participa en la síntesis y mantenimiento del ADN. Las actuales recomendaciones de ingesta de nutrientes no tienen en cuenta los niveles requeridos para el mantenimiento de la estabilidad genómica. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar el efecto citotóxico y genotóxico de la suplementación in vitro con Zn para evaluar la deficiencia y el exceso, así como las concentraciones dentro del rango fisiológico normal establecido para niños (80-280 µg/dl). Para lograr la deficiencia de Zn, el medio HAMF12 (HF12) fue quelado (HF12Q). Los linfocitos fueron aislados de donantes sanos y cultivados durante 7 días: 1-control (HF12, 60 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 2-deficiente (HF12Q, 0 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 3-80 (HF12Q + 80 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 4-180 (HF12Q + 180 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 5-280 (HF12Q + 280 µg/dl SO4 Zn); 6-380 (HF12Q + 380 µg/dl SO4 Zn). Se utilizaron los ensayos de micronúcleo y cometa y se determinó la viabilidad celular. Las diferencias fueron evaluadas con 2 y ANOVA (p<0,05). El índice de daño, resultó significativamente más alto en el cultivo deficiente respecto de los demás. Sólo la dosis 380 µg/ dl presentó frecuencias significativamente aumentadas en relación a los otros cultivos suplementados. La frecuencia de micronúcleos (MNi) fue significativamente mayor en los cultivos deficientes, 280 y 380 µg/dl, respecto del control, 80 y 180 µg/dl. La mayor fecuencia se observó en 380 µg/dl. La suplementación de los cultivos in vitro con zinc ayudaría a reducir la inestabilidad genómica. Las dosis más beneficiosas serían las de 80 y 180 µg/dl, en tanto que las de 280 y 380 µg/dl provocarían un aumento de daño en el ADN.Fil: Padula, Gisel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "ingeniero Fernando Noel Dulout"; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Ponzinibbio, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ingeniero Fernando Noel Dulout"; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Seoane, Analia Isabel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentin

Possible radioprotective effect of folic acid supplementation on low dose ionizing radiation-induced genomic instability <i>in vitro</i>

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA damage through production of single and double-strand breaks and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Folic acid (FA) prevents radiation-induced DNA damage by modification of DNA synthesis and/or repair and as a radical scavenger. We hypothesized that in vitro supplementation with FA will decrease the sensitivity of cells to genetic damage induced by low dose of ionizing radiation. Annexin V, comet and micronucleus assays were performed in cultured CHO cells. After 7 days of pre-treatment with 0, 100, 200 or 300 nM FA, cultures were exposed to radiation (100 mSv). Two un-irradiated controls were executed (0 and 100 nM FA). Data were statistically analyzed with X2-test and linear regression analysis (P in vitro; folate status should be taken into account when studying the effect of low dose radiation in environmental or occupational exposure.Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoInstituto de Genética Veterinari

Possible radioprotective effect of folic acid supplementation on low dose ionizing radiation-induced genomic instability <i>in vitro</i>

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA damage through production of single and double-strand breaks and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Folic acid (FA) prevents radiation-induced DNA damage by modification of DNA synthesis and/or repair and as a radical scavenger. We hypothesized that in vitro supplementation with FA will decrease the sensitivity of cells to genetic damage induced by low dose of ionizing radiation. Annexin V, comet and micronucleus assays were performed in cultured CHO cells. After 7 days of pre-treatment with 0, 100, 200 or 300 nM FA, cultures were exposed to radiation (100 mSv). Two un-irradiated controls were executed (0 and 100 nM FA). Data were statistically analyzed with X2-test and linear regression analysis (P in vitro; folate status should be taken into account when studying the effect of low dose radiation in environmental or occupational exposure.Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoInstituto de Genética Veterinari

Variations in estimates of underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity in children from Argentina comparing three growth charts

Objective: To compare estimates of underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity based on three growth charts. Design Cross-sectional study to estimate weight-for-age, length/height-for-age and weight-for-height comparing the 2006 WHO Child Growth Standards ('the WHO standards'), the 1977 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) international growth reference ('the NCHS reference') and the 1987 Argentine Pediatric Society Committee of Growth and Development reference ('the APS reference'). Cut-off points were defined as mean values ±2 s d. Epi-Info software version 6·0 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) was used for statistical evaluations (χ 2, P ≤ 0·05). Setting Greater La Plata conurbation, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Subjects A total of 2644 healthy, full-term children from 0 to 5 years of age. Results Prevalence of underweight was higher with the WHO standards than with the other references up to the first 6 months. For the rest of the ages, prevalence was lower with the WHO standards. Stunting prevalence was higher with the WHO standards at all ages. Prevalence of wasting was higher with the WHO standards compared with the NCHS reference up to the first 6 months and lower at 2-5 years of age. Overweight and obesity prevalences were higher with the WHO standards at all ages. Conclusions The new WHO standards appear to be a solid and reliable tool for diagnosis and treatment of nutritional diseases, also being the only one built with infants fed according to WHO recommendations. Therefore, our results support the decision of the National Ministry of Health about the utilization of the new WHO standards to monitor the nutritional status of Argentinean children aged less than 5 years.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

Possible radioprotective effect of folic acid supplementation on low dose ionizing radiation-induced genomic instability <i>in vitro</i>

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA damage through production of single and double-strand breaks and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Folic acid (FA) prevents radiation-induced DNA damage by modification of DNA synthesis and/or repair and as a radical scavenger. We hypothesized that in vitro supplementation with FA will decrease the sensitivity of cells to genetic damage induced by low dose of ionizing radiation. Annexin V, comet and micronucleus assays were performed in cultured CHO cells. After 7 days of pre-treatment with 0, 100, 200 or 300 nM FA, cultures were exposed to radiation (100 mSv). Two un-irradiated controls were executed (0 and 100 nM FA). Data were statistically analyzed with X2-test and linear regression analysis (P in vitro; folate status should be taken into account when studying the effect of low dose radiation in environmental or occupational exposure.Facultad de Ciencias VeterinariasFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoInstituto de Genética Veterinari

Prevalencias de desnutrición global, desmedro, sobrepeso y obesidad: su evolución en niños de Azampay (Catamarca, Argentina)

This study assesses the evolution of underweight, stunting, overweight and obesity prevalence in schoolchildren from Azampay between 1995 and 2004. The sample includes children between 6 and 13 years of age (1995: 32; 2004: 42). The recorded variables were Age (A), Weight (W) and Height (H). Weight-for- age (W//A), Height-for-age (H//A) (WHO reference 2007, -2 SD) and body mass index (BMI) (The International Obesity Task Force, with the values set out therein), were estimated. Epi-Info 6.0 software was used for statistical evaluation (χ2 p ≤ 0.05%).We observed a drop in underweight to the present (from 11.54% to 3.45%). Likewise, stunting and overweight decreased (the former, from 6.25% to 0%, and the latter from 6.25% to 4.76%). Differences were not statistically significant. Obesity prevalence was zero. Overall, new strategies for survival due to the deterioration of traditional patterns of subsistence, have not adversely affected the growth of childrenEl objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la evolución de las prevalencias de desnutrición global, desmedro, sobrepeso y obesidad, en escolares de Azampay, desde 1995 hasta 2004. La muestra estuvo conformada por niños de 6 a 13 años (1995: 32; 2004: 42). Se registraron las variables Edad (E), Peso (P) y Talla (T), estimándose los índices P//E, T//E (referencia OMS-2007, -2DS) e Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) (referencia International Obesity Task Force, valores límite allí establecidos). Los resultados fueron evaluados estadísticamente con el Test χ2 de Pearson (p&lt;0,05; Epi-Info-6.0). Se observó una disminución de la desnutrición global total hacia el presente (de 11,54% a 3,45%). Lo mismo ocurrió con el desmedro (de 6,25% a 0%) y el sobrepeso (de 6,25% a 4,76%). Las diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas. No se observó obesidad. El advenimiento de nuevas formas de supervivencia no ha influenciado de manera negativa el crecimiento de los niños, sino todo lo contrario.O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a evolução da prevalência do baixo peso, baixa estatura, sobrepeso e obesidade em escolares de Azampay, de 1995 a 2004. A amostra foi composta de crianças de entre 6-13 anos de idade (1995, 32, 2004: 42). As variáveis registradas foram Idade (I), Peso (P) e Estatura (E), e foram estimados os índices P//E, T//E (referência OMS-2007, -2 DP) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) (referência International Obesity Task Force, nos valores limites estabelecidos por eles). Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente com o Test χ2 de Pearson (p &lt;0,05, Epi-Info 6.0). Observou-se uma diminuição da desnutrição global total atualmente (de 11,54% a 3,45%), da baixa estatura (de 6,25% a 0%) e do sobrepeso (de 6,25% a 4,76%). As diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. A obesidade não foi observada. O advento de novas formas de sobrevivência não influenciou negativamente o crescimento das crianças

Evaluación de la prevalencia estimada de sobrepeso y obesidad, en poblaciones de niños y adolescentes de la región chaqueña, con dos referencias internacionales

La evaluación de la situación nutricional de los niños, depende en gran medida de las curvas de crecimiento utilizadas. El objetivo de esta investigación es comparar las prevalencias de sobrepeso y obesidad estimadas con dos referencias internacionales en una población de niños y adolescentes de la Región Chaqueña, a través del Índice de Masa Corporal. Se incluyeron 299 niños de 6 a 15 años (estudio transversal) pertenecientes a 7 poblaciones (2 criollas, 3 matacas, 1 mocovi y 1 toba). Las técnicas de medición se basaron en guías nacionales. Las referencias utilizadas fueron: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (&gt;Pc85: sobrepeso; &gt; Pc95: obesidad); 2. International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) (valores límite sexo edad específicos). La prevalencia total de sobrepeso, considerando el conjunto de poblaciones, es mayor al aplicar la referencia del CDC en las mujeres, mientras que es levemente superior con IOTF en los varones. Por su parte, la prevalencia total de obesidad, considerando el conjunto de poblaciones, es igual con ambas referencias, en ambos sexos. La mayor parte de las unidades poblacionales evaluadas presentan sobrepeso, aunque la obesidad no parece ser, aún, un problema de salud. Las poblaciones más afectadas son las de Pozo de Maza, la de Criollos de Fortín Belgrano y la de Tobas de Vaca Perdida. </p